Stumped '10

Photo by Joshin Yamada

This is what the future looks like. Except it's in the past. Last weekend, at the Stumptown Comics Fest in stupidly beautiful Portland, Oregon. On the left is my wonderful tablemate, Sean Lynch. He and his brother Ian made the 30-hour drive from Minnesota. It was sad to catch them for only a short time, but Ian had a wheelchair basketball tournament to start practicing for (he's literally a world-class player).

Thanks to everyone who came to our table. I had a pleasure talking to each of you. Thanks for the support to those of you who picked up books. And thanks to the publishers and artists who were all generous with their time. Thanks to Ivy for the great glitter/glue/folds snake card and sparkly snap bracelet. Thanks for trades and gifts goes to Rose Thor, Carla Speed McNeill (holy shit, Finder), Aidan Koch, Dylan Williams, and others.

Thanks to Will Dinski for the con advice awhile back.

Thanks to the judges of the Annual Stumptown Awards for the nomination of designer Jenny Tondera and Ghost Comics for Best Publication Design. Not to mention Cosmic Monkey Comics for their free booze at the awards party. I thought they were going to pour that giant beer into a cup so they could split it amongst people. Nope! Portland.

Most of all, thanks to our hosts, the Stumps of Beaverton: Alison and her parents Mike and Sherrie. They gave us rides, home-brewed beer, and mountains of delicious food when we needed it most.

I recommend Vegetarian House in PDX's Chinatown: delicious faux meat and noodles cooked by our friend Diana Chao's dad.

It was good to see my friend from high school Marina, who I hadn't seen in eight years. Same with meeting her beagle, Arthur; her husband of last week, Ryan; and her friend Chelsea.

The northwest: Walking by the river with Marina and Chelsea, talking about sex, love, betrayal, and writing. The sunset trails long shadows from the lush trees. Trains chug on the other side of the road. This part of the world tempted me like a cartoon Tex Avery-drawn wolf lifted off the ground by a trail of perfume. But I'm that Beatles song: "If I Needed Someone."